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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

GOVERNMENT in conjunction with its development partners is rehabilitating Bambanani Irrigation Scheme in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South province at a cost of US$800 000 and most of the works have been completed.

The irrigation scheme, which has been lying idle for the past 15 years, is now 70 percent complete and is expected to be fully operational by next month.

The 131-hectare-Bambanani Irrigation Scheme was established in 2004 and it operated for four years before it collapsed. 

The irrigation scheme is being revived under the Small Holder Irrigation Revitilisation Programme (SIRP) as part of the accelerated rural industrialisation drive, a confirmation that the Second Republic is walking the talk. 

A tender was awarded to Forster Irrigation Company which is based in Bulawayo.

Some of the works which have been done at the irrigation scheme include construction of a night storage dam, pump house, installation of night storage dam booster pumps, water pipes installation, pressure regulating valves for each sprinkler and construction of bases for two centre pivots.

Outstanding works include installation of two centre pivots, repairing the spillway road, connection of the two dam pumps onto the delivery line.

Matabeleland South acting provincial director of the Agricultural Rural Development Services, Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu said 104 hectares is earmarked for the summer cropping.

“There is significant progress at Bambanani Irrigation Scheme and work is nearing completion. The community is also in total support of the project and the contractor is working around the clock to ensure that the project is completed on time,” he said.

“We expect to put 104 hectares under summer cropping. This irrigation scheme will go a long way in ensuring food and nutrition security, not only in the district of Mangwe but the entire province. It will also create industrial activity and eradicate poverty.”

Mangwe Rural District Council chairperson, Councillor Sindisiwe Nleya who is also the Zanu-PF candidate for the Mangwe National Assembly seat, said the scheme has the capacity to accommodate over 100 households. 

Clr Nleya said that once complete, the irrigation scheme will go a long way in alleviating food shortage challenges.

“The work that has been done at Bambanani Irrigation Scheme within such a short time shows that there is a lot which Government can do in developing communities. The Second Republic is working tirelessly to ensure that no place is left behind,” she said.

“In no time we will start producing at the irrigation scheme and families will start benefiting. Employment opportunities will be created, households will have food.”

Cde Nleya said under the Second Republic there has been improved water supply in several wards with communities now accessing clean tap water. 

“The improved supply of water has enabled communities to establish income generating projects. There has been the development of infrastructure such as schools, clinics and roads among other projects. At this pace the country will definitely attain Vision 2030,” she said. 

Government working with various partners is rehabilitating irrigation schemes that have been lying idle in Matabeleland South Province to boost food production and alleviate poverty in line with Vision 2030. 

Some of the irrigation schemes that have been rehabilitated in the province include Makwe and Guyu- Chelesa in Gwanda district, Sebasa and Silalatshani in Insiza district and Tshikwalakwala irrigation scheme in Beitbridge district.

SIRP was launched in November 2017 with the aim to assist in the revitalisation of irrigation schemes across the country. 

It is a Government led programme funded by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Under the Second Republic, Government is prioritising development of irrigation schemes to counter effects of climate change.

Matabeleland South Province falls under Regions 4 and 5 which receive marginal rainfall hence the need to cultivate crops under irrigation. 

What is however comforting is that the province has abundant water bodies to supply water for irrigation. — @DubeMatutu